Net job ads at record high in May: survey

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The number of jobs advertised on the internet climbed to a
record high in May, figures show, ahead of further expected
strength in the market.

The Olivier Internet Job Index counted 155,738 Australian job
ads on the internet in May, a 3.5 per cent gain in the month.

While national accounts figures released this week showed the
economy was in a soft patch, the job ads figures gave a more
positive view, the recruitment firm said.

"We're still reading the job market as strong but brittle,"
Olivier Group director Robert Olivier said. "These figures come in
the face of a lot of negative news. There may be continued
disquiet, but employment is still strong."

He said the jobs market was a different cycle driven by
different factors.

"The employment market is still looking good, but this may be a
reflection of labour shortages as much as increased demand," he
said.

Mr Olivier said the labour force strength was set to continue,
as June and July were usually busy months.

"In June some people are recruiting because they know they'll be
busy with the end of the financial year in July," he said. "For
others, July marks the start of new budgets."

He said the tax cuts announced in last month's federal budget
were yet to kick in, increasing consumer demand, and that the new
industrial relations reforms would give additional confidence to
the market.

Olivier Group said the 3.5 per cent increase in internet job ads
in May was a reflection of mixed fortunes, with 13 industry sectors
rising and eight falling.